Meaning of 'Merely playing for time'

[Ariadna]

Test No. incompl/advan-14 "Time Expressions (2)", question 3

My opinion is that they don't know what to do and are merely playing ......... time.

(a) to
(b) for
(c) at
(d) in

Test No. incompl/advan-14 "Time Expressions (2)", answer 3

My opinion is that they don't know what to do and are merely playing for time.

Correct answer: (b) for

Hi Alan and Torsten! Explain me, please! ....Merely playing for time....

Thank you

Ariadna

[Alan]

Hi,

Just waiting to get extra time.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Ariadna]

[Casafon]

How else do you say this? Gaining time? Is it correct?

[Kati Svaby]

Expressions with "for time"

-be hard pressed for time = be pushed for time
-be pressed for time
-i am pushed for time
-play for time =stall for time
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Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

[Kati Svaby]

for a time = stay somewhere for a time
............= I lived in Egypt for a time.

for some time= for a fairly long period

I worked in this school for some time.
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Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.